Monash graduations celebrate the next generation of health professionals
More than 1200 new graduates have been welcomed to the Monash Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences alumni community as part of this fortnight’s graduations.
Held across four ceremonies in Robert Blackwood Hall, we were proud to celebrate this important milestone with our students. As part of the event, we welcomed back distinguished alumni Dr Peter Larkins and Susan Williams as keynote speakers.
Dr Larkins is a foundation fellow of the Australasian College of Sports Physicians and across his career in sports medicine, has served as team doctor for a range of sports, including Australian track and field, cricket and with the Geelong and Adelaide AFL clubs. Sue William’s career in healthcare leadership spans over 25 years. She’s held senior roles at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peninsula Health and Cabrini Health, where she is currently Chief of Health Operations.
Radiography graduate Nathan Le not only received his bachelor’s degree at the May 23 ceremony, but also the Sir John Monash Medal. The medal is awarded to one student in the Faculty for their outstanding achievements.
Now currently a radiographer at Monash Health, Nathan names graduating alongside his close friends and colleagues as one of his proudest Monash moments. He reflects:
“I would not have been able to be myself or build character without constantly collaborating and making memories with those on similar paths as mine. Being able to work closely with one another at each stage of our journeys makes every struggle worth it and every experience and accomplishment all the more rewarding.”
For paramedic Michael Hastie, the support he received from Monash staff and fellow students, was what made his degree in emergency health such an enjoyable experience, and valued the opportunities to get involved within the paramedic community:
“One of the top achievements from my time at Monash, was leading a team at an Australasian Paramedic simulation challenge - we were the top placed Victorian team and came 3rd in the competition. I am also very proud that I ran the Paramedic society (PARASOC) in my final year. PARASOC was one of the largest societies on campus, and the annual ball we organised in 2016 was one of the most successful in the history of the club.”
After spending the last two years working with the London Ambulance Service, Michael returned to Melbourne to continue his paramedic career – with a Monash master’s degree in his sights.
Dr Brooke Pereira spent the last four years exploring bioengineered cancer models, under the supervision of Professor Gail Risbridger. This year, she received her first first-author publication in Biomaterials.
“This paper was the culmination of four years of work and was a major component of my PhD thesis”, Brooke explains. She’s now working as a post-doctoral research officer at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, investigating novel stromal targets in pancreatic cancer.
Completing a double degree in nursing and midwifery is demanding by most standards. Aira Abarra managed to balance study and clinical placement with major sporting achievements as a professional powerlifter, including a National, Oceania and Commonwealth bench press record.
For Aira, an interprofessional placement in Cambodia during her final semester, made a lasting impact.
“I learnt about myself and the capacity I have with my skills as a nurse and midwife to help in countries with limited human resources. My eyes have been opened to my potential and the endless opportunities within and beyond Australia. I have since revaluated my career goals with a newfound interest in public health.”
Aira is completing her graduate year with Monash Health, and after a break from competing, will return to the powerlifting scene in July.
These May graduates join our growing alumni network of almost 50,000 members spanning more than 90 countries, making a difference to health worldwide. Congratulations to all our new graduates and welcome to the Monash Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Alumni community.
